Safeguard your Windows 11 system from malware with this comprehensive guide. Explore preventive measures like reliable antivirus software, updating your OS, and downloading from trusted sources. Learn to configure firewalls, use strong passwords, and recognize social engineering tactics. Follow step-by-step instructions to scan and remove malware using Windows Defender and consider reinstalling the OS if needed.
Learn how protect your PC from Malware with steps to remove a virus from your Windows 11 system. There are many precautions you can take to help prevent Malware attacks. Having a reliable antivirus software can provide a strong first line of defense. Antivirus software can detect and remove various types of Malware.
Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus among other security options and McAfee Antivirus comes pre-installed on all new Dell PCs. Keep your operating system and software up to date by going into Settings, then clicking on Windows Update. Click on ""Check for Updates"" and Windows will search for any pending updates.
This often includes important security patches that address vulnerabilities that Malware can exploit. For additional information on Windows Update Options, watch our video guide on this channel by clicking the link shown. Download software only from trusted sources. Getting drivers and downloads directly through the Dell website greatly reduces the risk because downloading software from nonofficial third-party websites, or using unofficial versions of paid software, are typical causes of malware infection. Using the Microsoft Store to get official software that originates from well-known businesses is also much safer. Firewalls can help block unauthorized access and protect your network from Malware.
To configure an integrated firewall, go into Settings, click on Privacy & Security, then on Windows Security and then click on Open Windows Security. In the next window, select ""Firewall & network protection."" Look over all the networks and turn on the Firewall for each: Domain, Private, and Public. Other precautionary measures you can take include using strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Regularly backing up your important files to an external device, or cloud storage, will keep files further out of reach.
Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links in emails, especially if you're not certain of the source. Always verify the legitimacy of email senders and their attachments before taking any action. Messages with a sense of urgency are often attempts to get you to hastily download Malware. Learn about social engineering tactics, like Phishing, to recognize and avoid malicious tactics that trick you into opening and running anything on your computer or revealing sensitive information. Try using these methods to remove Malware from your system.
If you recently introduced a file to your system that you suspect could be Malware, you should delete it. And be sure to empty the Recycle Bin afterwards, too! You can also use the Microsoft System Configuration tool in Windows when you suspect a file to be Malware running in your system. Refer to our MSConfig tutorial for more information. Just click the link shown to watch the video.
To scan your system for Malware using Windows Defender, go into Settings, select Privacy & Security, then click on Windows Security. At the top, click on Open Windows Security. In the next window, select ""Virus & threat protection"" and click on ""Scan options."" We recommend running a Full scan or the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Offline scan, which requires a system restart to complete.
Make your choice and then click ""Scan now."" Each will scan your system files and attempt to detect infections and if any threat is found, you will be given alternatives on how to handle each affected file. Typically, infected files are sent to a quarantine state or are removed completely.
If none of these attempts were successful, you should consider reinstalling the operating system. If you still need help or have any questions, you can always reach out to us through social media for assistance. We also have the Dell Community Forum where you can see what other have to say about the subject.
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